Fort McKay First Nation, which has a population of 750 members, 500 of which live on reserve, has something unique going for it. It is is situated just 60 kilometres from Fort McMurray: The centre of oil sands development by six major energy players. However, creating sustained economic stability against a demanding backdrop of environmental and community concerns wasn’t without its challenges.

The success Chief Jim Boucher and the Fort McKay First Nation achieved in participating in oil sands development is often cited as a model for Aboriginal and First Nation communities across the country. Fort McKay First Nation’s companies generate revenue of $100-million a year and employ 800 people in services related to the oil sands. However, none of this was created overnight and comes with unique demands from both industry and Aboriginal peoples.

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“Opportunities for First Nations prosperity through oil and gas development, speaks directly to 600 major resource projects worth an estimated $650-billion,” a study by Ravina Bains recently released by the Fraser Institute states. From a statistical point of view it seems obvious to mainstream Canadians that this would be a win-win for Aboriginal peoples.

However, the environmental and business challenges faced by Aboriginal communities should not be overlooked. With often limited resources and substandard infrastructures, they are challenged to navigate the demands of major corporations and engage in much needed economic development, while paying heed to the social, environmental and health concerns of the community and future generations.

An impromptu meeting in Calgary between Chief Boucher and myself led to the development of a joint conference that would move the larger energy development issue forward — a national conversation and sharing of ideas that reflected the new reality and strength of Aboriginal business, energy, the oil sands and the Aboriginal perspective.

To that end, Fort McKay First Nation and the CCAB will jointly present “Energy and the Oil Sands, Aboriginal Perspectives” conference on January 22 to 24, at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in Fort McMurray, Alta., with the goal of bringing together industry experts in oil sands, Aboriginal economics and the environment.

The entrepreneurial spirit of our people is thriving, setting the stage for a new relationship with business. Long gone are the days where Aboriginal people are going to sit by and watch development take place on their lands in a scenario where they don’t rightfully share the wealth and play an active role in the decision-making processes that directly affect their lands and peoples. Aboriginal peoples want a piece of the action.

We also want to challenge business to come to the table in the spirit of a renewed opportunity to share best practices while respecting the need for equitable partnerships.

This conference will create much needed dialogue, Chief Boucher said, adding that Aboriginals want business development, “it’s a question of how do we get there, socially, culturally, economically and environmentally in a sustainable way?

“We believe the practice and preservation of the traditional way of life can occur alongside continuous, entrepreneurial and responsible development,” he said.

The conference will be emceed by filmmaker, journalist and hip hop artist Wab Kinew. The gala dinner will be emceed by film actor Adam Beach, who stars in CBC’s Arctic Air. Entertainment will be provided by award-winning Winnipeg musician Don Amero.

For more information and a list of panel events contact Fred McDonald, director of special events and museum development, Fort McKay First Nation at (780) 370-8374 or go to fortmckay.com or ccab.com